Sitting close to the South Melbourne Market where a market with the freshest seafood lies Chez Dré, a french breakfast, lunch and patisserie restaurant catered for all.

Chez Dré, a French-inspired sweet & savoury delights, treats.. you name it. The good thing is, they have all-day brunch menu! To top it up, they have a range selection of petits gateau – all unique in it’s way.

There’s an outdoor dining area right after the main entrance. When it gets busy, you’d have to wait (with seats available) for a table. The outdoor area is wonderful – it was a bright day – perfect for Brunch out under the sun at the start of Spring. You can bring your pets and there is sufficient space for them to lie there next to your table/chair as you chat away with your friends and family.

Indoor dining area is modern with long wooden stools without backrests. Other seats were those stackable stools – it didn’t look like it much cost was put to the chairs. But what impressed me was the cleanliness and the arrangement of the restaurant.

Patisserie Bar

Chez Dré Kitchen

Mac Attack – $8.50

Singe Origin of the Day – $4.50

Latté – $4.00

It seemed like they have segregated areas, one area for table of fours sitting at the booth next to the dessert counter, two areas for larger groups fitting 8-10 and one area for outdoor dining.

I noticed that there’s an addition to the menu from last time. – their weekly special. The special I ordered was Potato Rösti – chorizo, asparagus, capsicum coulis & a poached egg. It came with two pan-fried potatoes that was temperature hot. I love it when my food is hot! They’ve nailed me on the potatoes!

Potato Rösti

I have many photos, but I don’t really want to bore you from reading every taste experience I had. My fave is the Potato Rösti. Although seasonal, I believe they will make many similar dishes with different inspirations – it keeps me intrigued in visiting again and again!

White Bean Cassoulet – $19.50

Eggs your way – $9.50

Grand Petit Dejeuner $21.50

Veggie Petit Dejeuner – $20.50

The staff was friendly, our waitress sounded like she had a french accent. She was enthusiastic and when I asked about her recommendation for dessert, she definitely helped me in picking the first petit gateau out of the millions of delights! She helped us try the passionfruit and chocolate mousse. It was devine. Loved the citrus taste combined with the sweetness of chocolate. Chocolate itself wasn’t sweet like many mousse. It was the perfect balance for me.

Sushi Hotaru is a sushi train restaurant located in the heart of Melbourne CBD – Bouke St Mall vicinity.

Been to several sushi train restaurants but this place stands to impress. My first visit was not a long wait because we arrived at 5.30pm on a saturday night. We waited for a maximum of 15 minutes. But if you arrive at 6.30-7.30 pm period, you would expect a long wait – they don’t take bookings either.

Sushi trains are generally expensive and the $3 a plate piles up as you’re nibbling and having a good time with your folks!

Minimum per dish is $3! You can also get $3 for a bowl of Udon! Their must-try dish is ‘scampi’ you get one raw scampi with its head entailed. I’ve only tried scampi here, so I had no expectations.

Fresh Scampi Nigiri

Fresh Scampi Order

My first visit definitely impressed me with scampi, 2nd and 3rd time the dish felt warmer and warmer. Like the scampi had been out sitting for sometime.

Not only is scampi a must-try, their salmon of 7 pieces at $7.90 isn’t bad! Although you may occasionally taste frozen ice on the salmon, its better cold than warm right?

Sashimi (Salmon)

Their wasabi is better than average. Can taste the wasabi spice more than other sushi trains. Although the wasabi are packaged individually, I’ve tasted the same brand but the tingly feeling is definitely not there or out-dated which just ruins your sushi train experience.

Takoyaki

I’d also recommend to try their Takoyaki, although I like Takoyaki steaming hot from, this dish is not bad based on $3! Many Takoyakis i’ve tried does not have octopus in each ball and I always feel ripped off as there’s more batter than seafood. I believe this one is worth a try for only $3… What could you lose?

Seared Salmon Sushi

Lotus Sushi

Crab Stick Sushi

Salmon and Avocado Handroll

I’d absolutely put my hands up on their Salmon and Avocado Hand roll and their Soft Shell Crab Hand roll as the seaweed is always crispy, rice is just right as per the other dishes – right level of vinegar and I can take each grain of rice, avocado is always fresh! Sorry I don’t have a photo of their Soft Shell Crab – but for the same price as Salmon Avocado, I reckon this is worth a shot! I believe their quality on Salmon and Avocado hand roll has always been consistent throughout the many visits I’ve been.

Lastly on food – dessert passes the test, but they have limited variety on their menu, mainly green tea, black sesame pudding and mochi. It doesn’t ‘wow’ me and I would most likely save my quota for more of their signature sushi!

Environment is clean and service delivers. Never needed to chase up on ordered dishes. Overall, I think there’s some inconsistencies throughout my visits to Sushi Hotaru. But I’d still recommend it and it definitely fills you up with a check out of $25 per person for dinner… !

Huff Bagelry is a Breakfast & Lunch cafe situated at Carnegie. It also recently opened one in Mentone this year.

Identified by my friend H, we decided to venture Koornang Road, Carnegie. It was both our first experience at Huff Bagelry. The area is tidy and cosy with cushions on the seats against the wall. The internal furniture are all made of medium toned wood.

We arrived at 9.30am around then were several tables available but the cafe was still busy. There were many takeaway orders of coffee and bagels. The service was to order at the counter with a given table number stand and find a table yourself.

I ordered a Hot Mocha, and it wasn’t the best Mocha I’ve tried. It tasted more like chocolate than 50% Chocolate & 50% Coffee.

Mocha – Huff Bagelry

The bagels are so fresh – it was definitely freshly baked.

The order at Huff Bagelry

Chicken Aoili was the bagel I picked in onion and poppy seeds. It was very filling, it had so much chicken and avocado in it. I loved it. The only flaw on my bagel, is that for Brunch, I’d prefer to not have such a strong taste of onion and aoili. If I were to pick the bagel again, I’d pick the same – Chicken Aoili but try with a difference bagel to avoid the strong smell of onion breath afterwards!!

The size of the bagel was perfect! I don’t think I could eat anymore at 9.30am in the morning. If it was 11-2pm, I’d probably be able to eat more than just 1 bagel.

Chicken Aoili, Lettuce and Avocado with Poppyseeds and onion bagel

My friend H ordered the Salmon bagel and was toasted. I can tell that there is a big difference in size compared with the Chicken Aoili bagel. Now this one looked petite.

Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese and Capers

Overall, i love their bagels hands down, but their mocha could be improved – some reviews state that their coffee is the best. I guess it’s up to personal preference. Maybe it’s just their Mocha…

Is a known patisserie headed by Darren Purchese. He’s known for his flavour balance and texture creativity. Combining delicious sweet decorations of jellies, sponges, mousses, cream, crumbles & spreads layer after layer.

I’ve followed them at the 2013 Melbourne Show – good food and wine pavilions. Darren there did a cooking demonstration on his explosive raspberry marshmellows.

So this time I had to try their Explosive Raspberry Milk Chocolate (Nut Free) as the raspberry popping candy sounded too good at the Show! Although I didnt get to try the explosive raspberry marshmellows demonstrated at the melbourne show, I imagined that they had more crackling sensation than what was really in this dessert. I was slightly disappointed in that but otherwise, it was a gorgeous dessert.

Explosive Raspberry Milk Chocolate (Nut Free)

Every cylindrical dessert b&p has has *b&p* embossed on the container. And I just had to take that as a souvenir :)

The second dessert we tried was Green Tea, Blackburrant, Yuzu & White Chocolate…

Green Tea, Blackburrant, Yuzu & White Chocolate

It was so so good! There were no negatives about it. I especially liked the Grapefruit/Yuzu that added the tanginess to the whole compilation. The sweetness wasn’t heavy, and i experienced the bitterness because of the green tea sponge. Despite it being bitter, it was a good in texture and it balanced the dessert.

I would definitely recommend this one! And would re-purchase this bad-boy.

I was particularly pleased that both desserts weren’t very sweet. Im a sucker for desserts, but weary and picky about the level of sweetness compiled.

Service from their staff was pleasant – we couldn’t make up our mind so we asked for recommendations on one sweet and one neutral. And they suggested exactly what we were considering! It’s always a plus when people know what you want without you telling them ;)

Ambience was nice, features with pink tones and princess like environment. As the store wasn’t extremely big, we could only dine outside by Chapel St. It was quite a windy day then, so we didn’t quite enjoy our outdoor dining service.

Trading Hours: Open 7 days a week from 10am – 6.30pm and their online store is open all hours of course!

Whenever I visit Hong Kong I would always try high tea at a 4-5 star hotel. This is because after currency conversion it turns out reasonably cheaper than if it was at Australia!

This time I checked into the lobby at the Mandarin Oriental hotel, which is a 5 star hotel. The hotel was within 4 minutes walking distance from Central mtr station. It’s definitely convenient for those who work at Central which is the Central Business District of Hong Kong with luxury branded retailers surrounding many well serviced hotels business and iconic buildings. The lobby specialised in delicacy and desserts. And it certainly delivered!

We initially ordered tea set for 2 persons, as advised by my aunt who tried Mandarin Oriental before. There was 3 of us but apparently 2 persons tea set was enough to fill us all,

After seeing the set it just didn’t seem to sparingly feed the 3 of us. Additionally, one of my friends didnt have breakfast/lunch, So we ordered a one person tea set also. And… it was the wrong decision!

By the end of the day we left one dessert on the tier. It was truely too much to fill 2 males and 1 female!
Lesson learnt: listen to my aunt and order 2 persons tea set when 3 people are dining.

Mocha

I ordered a Mocha as my drink that came with the Tea set, but it wasn’t the best Mocha.. there wasn’t enough chocolate to kick off the taste and it tasted like a really light Latte unfortunately.

Jam for the Scones was wonderful.. it was made with rose petals and it was perfect with the scones. It was also a good idea to spread both jam and the Devon Clotted Cream on the Plain scones.

Devon Clotted Cream & Rose Petal Jam

Plain & Raisin Scones

Overall, I’d say the sandwiches lacked a bit of creativity compared with Langham hotel’s high tea. But the dessert was spot on! Sensational flavours from sweet and sour but not too sweet and bearable sourness!
The savoury pastries also kicked it off – Quiche [Bacon, Onion, Cheese] & Sausage Roll, Puff Pastry! Warm to the right edible temperature crispy on the outer and well flavoured in the inner.

Quiche Bacon Onion Cheese & Sausage Roll Puff Pastry

My favourite would be the chocolate and waffle base cake – millefruille or it could be the ‘Hazelnut Cassis Mousse Cake’. The best dessert with the right size for tasting.

Sitting at the corner of Glenferrie Road and Hawthorne Grove lies Rococo Glenferrie Road. There is also Rococo Fitzroy Street Rococo and Acland St which is the original establishment of the Rococo Group. Catering for outdoor and indoor dining or just at the bar for couple of drinks and nibbles, their kitchen opens all day from breakfast to late…

It was a booking for a table for 14 at 7pm on a Saturday December night. The restaurant had a large indoor dining area and being in the festive month of December with many social gatherings, the restaurant wasn’t filled at that time.

We were seated right at the back of the restaurant next to the glassed cellar room. the evening was set with a candle lit ambience. I thought it was the perfect spot until I found that we were separated with the rest of the restaurant guests, dining next to a work party of 40 people. And we know what happens at work functions, there’s announcements and it gets routy! By the end of the night, it just got too noisy, we couldn’t hear each other within our table! So I had to take some points off from service.

Their menu comprised a range of antipasti, salads, pizza, pasta, risotto and paninis.

My meal was the Rococo specialty pasta with chicken and you can definitely taste the freshness of each ingredient. The texture of the pasta was just right, but I found it a bit thick for me as I’m use to spaghettis in number 2’s.

Deep fried Quail with mushroom risotto was much loved but the quail was hard to eat as it was two whole quails. We wish it was at least cut in half to be dine friendly.

My friends enjoyed the Salmon and the pizza too. It’s presentable and very colourful!

I’ve tried Rococo at Acland Street and it was a very good experience especially after a fun night of a friend’s engagement party – supper at Rococo – Acland Street was just what we needed! We were told that the Traditional Spaghetti Bolognese was the best and my boyfriend ordered this popular dish and it delivered~! But, the Spag-bol at Rococo at Glenferrie Road was missing something… something I can’t put to words… sorry~

Dessert? was amazing! I loved the Strawberries and Cream. The meringue definitely completes the taste of the Strawberries and Cream. It added the crunch and chewiness which enlightened the sweet dribbling syrup and melting ice cream. Unfortunately, I didn’t take a photo of it, I was too keen on getting the first bite!

Summing up… I would recommend Rococo Glenferrie for a nice gathering with the added price for ambience, but I personally wouldn’t visit regularly. It was a lovely environment to catch up with long lost friends – apart from the loudness from other guests. But what can you do? I guess if the restaurant knew its a work function they should really sit them at the back of the restaurant and not sit them in the middle to disturb other guests.

** I also think there’s a difference in quality of food between Rococo Glenferrie Rd and Acland St…

A cafe hidden in the corner streets of Nicholson and Mollison in Abbotsford. The exterior appears to be a historic like building – a museum possibly? I wouldn’t have guessed it was a Cafe.

Parking was convenient on a 2pm Saturday afternoon, which is pleasing. Friends arrived at 1.45 trying to get in early for a nice table of 8, but we waited for just under 30 minutes in order for a table. I think this timeframe is quite forgiving, since we didn’t book (no reservations permitted) and there’s a large group of us.

The interior of the cafe is somewhat modern, metal chairs with wooden tables as contrast. Segregated in three sections, where the middle area was dedicated for VIP functions with an opening of a bright window. The function room could possibly seat 10-12 people. We dined at the back of the cafe where the desserts and drinks bar were located. Unfortunately our seats did not have a bag rest. But I guess that’s the culture of Three Bags Full Cafe? – Casual yet Modern.

Three Bags Full Cafe Interior

I ordered the Pulled pork shoulder on toasted brioche which was $13. For some reason, I am always very conscious about catching a bone piece when I have pulled pork. But this was divine… Loved it, but could someone kindly tell me what I was meant to do with the lemon? I had no idea – squeeze it into the braised pulled pork?

I didn’t get a chance to try the following photos, because the braised pulled pork was enough to fill my lunch! Here’s some snaps of what my friends ordered. The Big Breaky was huge!! My girlfriend who didn’t have any breakfast couldn’t even finish the $19 dish! Impressive…

Beverage on the other hand was average. I tried their soy latte and it didn’t call for me.

Dessert was gorgeous! We had a chocolate cupcake. I don’t think they have a menu for their dessert. It’s just whatever they make on the day. The chocolate topping was just right. I don’t have much of a sweet tooth, so sweetness was just right. The cupcake itself is perfectly baked – not too oily/buttery and not too dry.

Chocolate Cupcake

Overall I’d recommend Three Bags Full for Brunch & Lunch! I’m not around Abbotsford much but would go there again with a nice brunch with my girlfriends. Try it! xx

Always walked past, noticed the existence but never tried the Capital Kitchen at Chadstone shopping centre…
Directly opposite GP within the vicinity of luxury branded retailers sits capital kitchen.
A breakfast and lunch only modern cafe blended with French training and Asian techniques behind an Italian heritage – chef Tony Chiodo.

I tried their Chicken Tenderloins served with a Char-Grilled Corn Chive and Puffed Corn Salad with a Smoked Almond Dressing. The tenderloins were warm when the dish arrived and nicely cooked – taste was perfect. Corn was lovingly light but the dressing lacked in flavour. I wish there was more dressing or more flavoured on the salad.

Chicken Tenderloins served with a Char-Grilled Corn, Red Onion, Chive and Ruffed Corn Salad with a Smoked Almond Dressing

The second dish which my boyfriend ordered was Southern Style Calamari with a Red Cabbage, Fennel and Rocket Salad with Romesco Sauce and Lime. Again the temperature of the Calamari was warm. Again quite a light meal especially after a good afternoon of shopping! The flavour was pleasingly strong.

Beverage wise, we ordered a Iced Coffee and Chocolate Milkshake. Iced coffee was quite bitter – definitely for those coffee lovers! Don’t worry it wasn’t burnt! As for the shake, it above average – but wasn’t a thick shake. Chocolate sweetness was just right!

Chocolate Milkshake

Capital Kitchen – Iced Coffee

Capital Kitchen Beverage Bar

Service was average – Pretty much find yourself a table and order form the counter. The service staff will bring the food to you, remember your table number! Their table numbers are quite small.

Capital Kitchen – Dessert booth

Atmosphere was amazing! I felt like I was at a winery, with the wooden furnitures and high chairs seeing others sip on their wine after a day of shopping therapy…

A friend from work had been wanting to try HuTong Dumpling Bar since last year! Unfortunately, we had been postponing our visit but we had finally tried it on a Thursday night.

Despite the popularity of the restaurant, we thought we could get away without reserving a table for two on a Thursday night. Turns out we were wrong! We arrived on a cold night in Winter, 5.30pm at Market Lane, and was told a table is available but we need to finish dining by 6.30pm! How popular can this restaurant be?

Opened in late 2008, HuTong was awarded International Famous Restaurant for Chinese Cuisine by World Association of Chinese Cuisine in 2009.

The exciting journey leading to the exploration of Beijing and Shanghai HuTong culture began with walking upstairs sighing brown wooden furniture across the dining table. Lantern shaped lights lit up the atmosphere of warmth. To me, I personally, don’t think it is a typical ‘bar’ rather a restaurant… So to taste the HuTong experience we ordered the below:

Shao-long Bao (8 pieces) – $11.80

Eastern China taste, which reminded me of my Shanghai experience. They gave us some shredded ginger which is meant to go with the vinegar. Dipping each Shao-long Bao with vinegar when it’s hot, brings in the combination of the sweet pork juice and sourness of the vinegar.

Wanton with Hot Chilli Sauce on the side (8 Pieces) – $9.80

Allegedly Szechuan flavour, which I would believe it’s the Chilli Sauce that enhanced the flavour of the culture. We ordered the Wanton’s in separation with the Hot Chilli Sauce because I can’t take chilli! Sucks to be me… but my friend told me they were great! Without the chilli sauce, I found it dry and cold for some reason… It could potentially be that the hotness from Shao-long Bao overridden the Wantons. I wouldn’t recommend the Wantons if you can’t have the chilli sauces like myself!

Deep fried Soft Shell Prawn with Chilli – $26.80

This dish is delicious! Although I can’t take chilli, I found this one deli! Sauce was beautifully flavoured – mild to hot chilli sauce. The only criticism on this dish is that the prawn shells are not soft at all. I’ve tasted soft-shell crabs where you could just swallow the shells because it’s soft to the point that it doesn’t cut my throat and can be lightly digested. This ‘soft-shell prawn’ was hard… so in the end I pretty much removed the shells and ate the meat – trust me, it was tough work!

Stir-fried String Beans with Minced Pork in Chilli Sauce – $15.80

Was wonderful, although beans were slightly old, but I guess it’s OK if it’s fried. The beans were crunchy inside with flavoured minced pork with chilli sauce that is mild only!

I would recommend a venture to HuTong, I would definitely recommend the Shao-Long Bao and the Stir-fried String Beans with Minced Pork dish.My favourite dish would be the Shao-long Bao – juicy, dipped with ginger and vinegar.